Eyeshadow Duo: Step #1

Eyeshadow Duo: Step #2

Work the darker shade into the top lash line and crease. Blend it all together using tight circular motions with a contour brush. “Doing this creates the medium tone that’s not in the palette,” says Goodwin.

Eyeshadow Triple: Step #1

Eyeshadow Triple: Step #2

Make the most of the medium shade. “It’s your safest color,” says makeup artist Jerrod Blandino. “Apply it in the crease using a back-and-forth windshield-wiper motion.” Smudge the darkest shade around the lash line, or intensify the look by creating a sideways “V” on the outer corner.

Eyeshadow Quad: Step #1

Eyeshadow Quad: Step #2

Add the accent shade to the inner corner, lid, brow bone or lower lashes. “It’s like going from your flat shoe to a stiletto,” says Blandino. Overwhelmed by layering it all on? Ease your way in one day at a time. “Using each color separately and gradually combining colors takes the pressure off,” says Stern. “The possibilities are endless!”

Eyeshadow Tips: Holy Eyeshadow! How Do I Use That?

“Of course all these shadows aren’t meant to play together,” says Blandino. “They’re to get your inspiration going.” The foolproof way to edit them down: Start with a warm base (like brown or peach) or a cool one (like purple or blue) and stick with that color family. Reserve the daring shades for one unexpected spot, adds beauty guru Molly Stern, like underneath the eyes or on the inner corners.